Newport News Shipbuilding has developed its own qualifications, while the Navy moved forward with creating its own specifications, noted Justin Rettaliata, a NAVSEA employee who handles approvals of 3D-printed components for ship installation. Specifications must include details relating to materials used, the creation process and necessary testing.

The Truman aircraft carrier’s new part took three days to build, and was printed at a Newport News Shipbuilding partner, spokesperson Duane Bourne noted. Rettaliata added that the original cast part had a lead time of up to nine months. This 3D-printing technology could also lead to a cut in cost for replacement parts, as ordering a large lot would no longer be necessary.

According to Rettaliata, the valve produced for the aircraft carrier “met or exceeded” the specifications for a traditional cast equivalent. Once the year trial is completed, the part will be removed from the ship, undergoing more testing, which will gather data related to corrosion, cracking, operation and other relevant information.